BONKERS FOR CONKERS!
Blackgang Chine is pleased to announce that they will be hosting the Isle of Wight Conker Championships on Sunday 9th October. This prestigious sporting event has been held every few years since 1993 when Michael Palin the famous actor and travel writer was famously disqualified for cheating!
FIRST FAIRY FESTIVAL IS A MAGICAL SUCCESS!
Nearly 1,700 visitors enjoyed Blackgang’s first Fairy Festival held on Sunday 1st May 2011.
Following the fairy-tale Royal wedding on Friday, it was apt to hold such a magical event and on such a traditional time of the year. Blackgang Chine’s new fairy-land has opened this year adjacent to the popular fairy castle. On Sunday, lots of would-be fairies of all shapes and sizes came along to meet The Fairy Queen and the naughty sprite, Puck!
A friendly witch and wizard offered spell making advice and take away potions. Wandering wizards provided magic tricks on demand, while popular Island folk group, JC & Angelina performed ‘greenwood’ music live in the gardens of Rumpus Mansion. With hair braiding, face painting and glitter tattoos also on offer, and fairy cakes on sale in the tea-rooms, the day could be described as a definite magical success!
“We now plan to hold a much bigger event next May”, said Simon Dabell, MD of the family business. “Blackgang is the ideal place to hold such a traditional May Day celebration and with fairies and magic being popular with all ages, we hope to develop anl Island Fairy Festival for the first weekend of May each year!”
A LITTLE FAIRY DUST TO BE SPRINKLED AROUND THE CHINE!
A day out at Blackgang during the Easter Holidays will put a smile on any child’s face and this can be just the tonic to help the whole family smile too! With a royal wedding in the spring, Blackgang is spreading a little more magic by opening a new Fairy-land attraction for younger children.Just below the popular fairy castle, a little village of Fairy houses have sprouted, complete with wishing well, fairy mushroom ring and loads of little fairies!
On Sunday 1st May, we are hosting the first Isle of Wight Fairy Festival. The day will be filled with make-believe and will include live ‘greenwood’ music, wandering magicians, spell-making workshops, mythological fancy dress competitions, loads of prizes and give-aways as well as the chance to meet the fairy queen and Puck the lively sprite!
All would-be pirates and smugglers can now visit The Sailor’s Return next to the Smugglers’ Play Boat. This quay side ‘Inn’ now challenges you to walk through the ‘spinning barrel’ and still stand upright! And right beside this quay side building, we have completely re-built the popular smuggler’s play – Boat, now called The Flying Raven!
A brand new Wild West Shooting gallery is opening in Frontier-land, replacing the 20 year old Zeke’s Shack and many of the other attractions have been refreshed with more than a lick of paint. Work has completed on the old pantry cafe which is having a major face-lift to become our very own Pizzeria! This take-away facility will not only offer the famous Stone Willy pizzas but also offer delicious sub-rolls with a variety of fillings as well as drinks and ice creams.
The Ship-ashore tea rooms, opened only last year and situated just beside the giant smuggler, will continue to offer quality coffee, afternoon teas and light lunches for families who want to rest awhile away from the activity of the day. And with live music from The Blue Train Function Band on Easter Monday, make sure you come along and make full use of your 7 day unlimited free returns!
BLACKGANG PLANS A SPECIAL ‘FAIRY’ FESTIVAL
AS ROYAL WEDDING CELEBRATION!
17th February 2011
With the Country celebrating a royal wedding at the end of April this year, Blackgang chine has chosen to mark this special occasion by holding a very special FAIRY FESTIVAL on Sunday 1st May.
With a new Fairy-land opening for the season, the idea of a special event which celebrates all things magical is perhaps not surprising! The day will be filled with make-believe and will include live ‘greenwood’ music, wandering magicians, spell-making workshops, mythological fancy dress competitions, loads of prizes and give-aways as well as the chance to meet the fairy queen and Puck the lively sprite!
Blackgang Chine, supposedly at the centre of powerful ancient ley lines, has always exuded a sense of the unknown and wonderment. Some have reported sightings of fairy folk at nearby Puckaster Cove at Niton and local myths and legends abound.
“We recognise the importance of reflecting the sense of place which Blackgang has and so we hope that this event will be the start of a growing annual festival at Blackgang each May”, said Simon Dabell, MD of the family owned business. “ We would like to see the festival showcase all that is enchanted and magical as well as provide opportunities for the many ‘new age’ Island businesses to be involved.”
Ends
For further information please ring 01983 730330 option five.
Simon Dabell
BLACKGANG CHINE WINTER HOURS
The main park and gardens at Blackgang Chine are now closed for the season and we re-open on the 28th March 2011.
However, the Disappearing Village exhibitions including BBC Coast and the Wight Experience will be open on Saturdays and Sundays until the 19th December. The Ship Ashore Tea-rooms will also be open offering warming winter fayre and refreshment.
Why not keep in touch with us during the coming few months by joining us on Facebook!
BLACKGANG CHINE FEATURES IN NEW BAND VIDEO
23rd July 2010.
In April this year the new band “I AM ARROWS” came to the Isle of Wight to film a music video to promote their new single ‘Green Grass’. Blackgang Chine was pleased to be able to offer the park’s eccentric attractions as a location for the filming and the finished result is certainly attractive, featuring the Island’s coastline, a ferry trip over and of course Blackgang Chine.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTFyp3kjisA
Since departing Razorlight in 2009 Andy Burrows has kept a busy man by working on various projects; you may have also spotted him playing drums with We Are Scientists. I Am Arrows is his new solo project and the first single Green Grass is released on August 9th 2010 through Vertigo Records.
This is the first single from I Am Arrows album Sun Comes Up Again set for release on August 16th. The album was recorded with producer Eliot James (Noah and The Whale, Bloc Party) at West London's Eastcote studios.
Burrows played every instrumental part on the recording for Sun Comes Up Again but for live shows I Am Arrows transforms into a 5 piece band, they are: Andy Burrows (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Adam Chetwood (guitar), Nick Hill (guitar), Ben Burrows (bass) and Ben Chetwood (drums).
For any other information please ring Simon Dabell on 01983 730330.
BLACKGANG’S WILD WEST FIREWORK PARTIES
Every Wednesday evening in the school summer holidays!
28th July, 4th August, 11th August, 18th August & 25th August
• Live country music!
• ‘Fun’ Wild West Casino!
• Punch & Judy shows!
• Rodeo bucking Bull!
• Juggling workshops!
• Panning for gold!
• Cowboy shoot-outs!
• Street magician!
• Western-style BBQ!
• Attractions & Rides open till late!
• Spectacular musical fireworks!
Become a bounty hunter for the evening, hunt down the ‘baddie’ and be in with a chance to win 100 gold coins! (£100)
Back by popular demand and this year with an exciting new theme, Blackgang’s Wild West Firework Parties are sure to go with a bang! Why not mosey on down to get a piece of the action, what with shoot-outs, live music, magician, BBQ, bucking bulls, cowboys & more, you’ll just have to put on your Stetson, buckle up your six guns and come prepared for an evening out on the range! With all our attractions open until late, you & the family are bound to have a good time!
And at the end of the evening, enjoy a spectacular display of fireworks set to music!
SMALL PRINT
Normal admission rates apply. Last admission to park 7p.m. Fireworks display starts between 8.50p.m. and 9.15p.m. depending on sunset. Rides close at 8.30 p.m. Park closes at 9.30p.m.
All activities subject to weather and contractors.
FAIRY CASTLE RE-OPENS FOR WOULD-BE PRINCES AND PRINCESSES!
Monday 17th May
As the summer half-term approaches, so we are now preparing the park for the thousands of families that enjoy our attractions during this popular holiday. The Fairy Castle has recently re-opened after a thorough clean and re-paint. It looks good enough to eat when the sun catches the pink battlements!
We have now started work on the exterior of Rumpus Mansion. This old 19th century gothic mansion was built in 1854 and needs constant attention to keep its character. Don't worry, however, as the ever so slightly scary attraction inside the old house will remain open during the external repairs.
MUSIC VIDEO SHOT AT BLACKGANG!
5th May 2010.
Blackgang chine has been chosen as an unusual fantasy video shot for new band 'I Am Arrows'.
Former Razorlight drummer, Andy Burrows has formed a new solo venture with this new band, which includes Adam Chetwood, Nick Hill and Ben Burrows.
Mecury Records release this band's first single in June and the two day Isle of Wight Shoot, on the 4th and 5th of May will result in an innovative reverse negative music video. Already music critics are welcoming the multi instrumentalist Burrow's new direction as surprisingly listenable. We wish the band well despite their unusual name!
YIPPEE!! WOOHOO!! HURRAH!!
BLACKGANG CHINE IS OPEN AGAIN
Monday 29th March 2010
Blackgang Chine has opened for the 2010 season, complete with a brand new exhibition BBC Coast, based on the popular TV series, a quality tea rooms set within the old Ship Ashore pub, adjacent to the main entrance and the chance for adults without children to experience the heritage of Blackgang, without having to pay for all the family entertainment!
In addition, following numerous requests from our regular visitors, we have introduced a joint ticket to both Blackgang and Robin Hill. Not only do these new tickets give a value for money discount, they also help Island family visitors to plan their holiday’s entertainment economically. After all, the joint ticket gives unlimited return visits for 7 days to both parks!
For Island families, don’t forget we continue to offer our annual membership scheme which gives unlimited entry to both parks during the coming year. Great for the kids because not only can you come along for a proper full day’s visit, but also just pop in after school to make the day that bit special!
Blackgang is open every day from 10 a.m. and despite the unseasonal cold forecast, we hope that we can bring a warm glow to your Easter holidays!
BLACKGANG THE DISAPPEARING VILLAGE!
A NEW VISITOR EXPERIENCE IS OPENING AT BLACKGANG IN 2010.
The very word "Blackgang" summons up visions of smugglers, shipwrecks and wild storm-lashed shores! Originally opened to the public over 165 years ago in 1843, Blackgang Chine has become world famous for its eccentric attractions and well loved by generations of visiting families.
From 2010, for the first time there will be a separate entrance for adults to explore the mysterious past of this beautiful coastline. This will give admission to a range of exhibitions and shops designed to appeal to the growing numbers of Island adult visitors.
Following the popularity of the BBC series, a brand new attraction, BBC COAST, will not only tell the story of the Island's coast, it will also illustrate the dramatic cliff falls and erosion that Blackgang has suffered over hundreds of years. And of course there will be the impressive 87' skeleton of the whale which has been on display since 1844.
Other attractions will include The Isle of Wight Experience, a 70 seat large screen cinema experience flying around the Island's coast, Timber World, a refurbished exhibition about country life on the Island 100 years ago as well as two quality shops, Chocolate Heaven for a wide range of yummy chocolate and Contraband, stocking a range of gifts to reflect the smuggling past of Blackgang.
Adjacent to the ˜"village" entrance, a new cafe restaurant will be opening. The Ship-Ashore tea-rooms will provide 56 indoor covers and further seating outside with stunning views down the south west coast of the Island. Offering morning coffee, patisserie, light lunches and afternoon teas, The Ship-Ashore will make an ideal stop for locally sourced refreshment for visitors touring the south part of the Island.
A modest admission fee to the village will give a real alternative for adults without children to consider Blackgang for a visit, whilst our usual good value family admission to the Chine will include all our new attractions and features.
For further information & group booking enquiries please ring
(01983) 730330/730305 or email:
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